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SCIO press conference on preparations for Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games

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CRNTT:

I have two questions. First, the 31st FISU World University Games is the first world-class multi-sport event to be held in western China. As a western province; does Sichuan meet the requirements for convenient arrivals of athletes and related staff? Second, how can hosting the Universiade further enhance the level of opening-up and cooperation?

Zheng Bei:

Thanks for your questions. They are of great significance. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and the provincial government have committed to deepening opening up and cooperation and actively served and integrated this goal into the country's new pattern of development. Leveraging the Chengdu Universiade as an opportunity, we have accelerated the building of a comprehensive transport network and have been moving to the forefront of opening-up from an inland province.

First, we have accelerated the construction of corridors for opening-up. With the opening of the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Chengdu has become the third city in the Chinese mainland to have two international airports, providing access to 131 international and regional air routes. In addition, Sichuan province now has 42 high-speed railways and expressways. The once-difficult road to Shu is now a thing of the past in Sichuan. The connected transportation has been fully realized, and we are striving to advance building a smooth transportation network. We have also opened green channels for the Chengdu Universiade to ensure athletes and friends from around the world can arrive and depart quickly and conveniently.

Second, we have enhanced international exchanges and cooperation. There are 23 approved consular organizations established in Sichuan province. Chengdu now boasts the third-most consulates after Shanghai and Guangzhou. It has established economic and trade ties with over 220 countries and regions. There are more than 5,300 foreign companies in Sichuan province, 337 of which are among the world's top 500. The circle of friends with whom Sichuan can communicate and cooperate has continued to grow.

Third, we have created new strengths for opening-up. Seizing the opportunities presented by the convergence and superposition of national strategies in Sichuan, including the Belt and Road initiative, the development of new land-sea transit routes for the western region, and the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, we have vigorously promoted opening-up to the west and south. The number of China-Europe freight trains from Chengdu and Chongqing has accounted for more than 30% of the country's total. The number of rail-sea intermodal trains from Sichuan to the Beibu Gulf Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has increased by more than 30% for two consecutive years. We will take the Chengdu Universiade as an opportunity to enhance exchanges and cooperation with other countries in the world and share development opportunities with them to pursue opening-up and cooperation on a larger scale, in broader areas, and at a deeper level. Thank you.